Some law firms avoid complicated cases. We thrive on them. That's because we have the vision and the drive to transform legal obstacles into opportunities. Find out how we can help move your case forward. Schedule a free consultation today. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Frequently asked questions - discover for yourself and then call us
Whether you were hurt on a highway, in a store or in someone's home, you probably have many questions. You might think your questions are unusual, but odds are other people have been through something similar. Some of the most common questions people ask us include:
Even if you see your question above, we strongly urge you to contact our law firm right away. That's because the circumstances surrounding your accident are unique. By getting in touch with us now, we can arrange to meet with you and develop a legal strategy that suits your specific needs.
How do I know if I have a personal injury case?
It's hard to know if you have a case until you talk to a lawyer. You may need to pursue legal action if you were in an accident caused by someone else's negligence. Someone might have been careless or reckless around you. Car wrecks are among the most common types of personal injury cases, but there are many other types we handle. For example, you may have been assaulted by another individual or perhaps you were injured because a property owner left an unmarked obstacle in a stairwell. Other times, accidents happen because a person or a company failed to take steps to keep people safe. (For example, a company didn't install proper lighting or security measures.) In either case, injury victims have the right to take legal action against the person or company that caused their injury and seek financial compensation for their losses.
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How much is my case worth?
There is no set dollar amount for how much money a claim might be worth. Sometimes, personal injury cases might be worth a few hundred or a few thousand dollars. Other times, a case might be worth millions of dollars. That's why it's important to discuss the details of your accident with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
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Who decides the value of my claim?
An insurance company official will likely make an offer based on the company's estimated value of your accident. If you decide not to accept that offer, other legal options exist, including filing a lawsuit against the negligent party and taking them - and their insurance provider - to court. If you take your personal injury case to court, a jury will likely decide exactly how much your accident is worth. We can review all the legal options available to you, then work with you to develop a strong legal case. Simply contact us as soon as possible.
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Should I accept an offer for my injury?
You should always carefully review any financial offer you receive. Insurance companies will likely contact you soon after your accident. However, what might seem like a generous offer at first might not be fair at all. Often, settlement offers from insurance companies only cover immediate medical expenses. They deliberately don't take into account the long-term impact. Years after your injury, you might still have to pay for expenses associated with your accident. And if you agree to accept an insurance company's lowball settlement offer, you might not be able to obtain additional money.
That's why you need an experienced attorney on your side. At Northern Plains Justice, LLP, we'll be happy to review your settlement offer and determine whether it fully compensates you for your losses.
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Can I negotiate for more money?
Yes. Insurance companies don't want people to know that they have the right to demand more money. Instead, they hope that injury victims will simply accept whatever's been offered to them. That is why it is so important to contact us before you settle your case. We can help you demand the compensation you rightfully deserve. We have years of experience negotiating with insurance companies, and we're prepared to do whatever it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve.
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What expenses can I be compensated for?
You may be entitled to receive compensation for medical expenses and lost income (due to being unable to work). Other types of damages (financial compensation) include:
- Loss of future earnings (if you cannot work)
- Home modifications (if you sustain a permanent disability)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
You might also be able to obtain punitive damages to punish the person or business that caused your injury and warn others not to engage in such reckless behavior. We can discuss the different types of compensation available to you when you meet with us during your free consultation.
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Is there a time limit to take legal action after my accident in South Dakota?
Yes. In South Dakota, you have up to 3 years to file a lawsuit or take other legal action after most personal injury accidents, according to the state's statute of limitations law. That might seem like a long time. But the reality is your case will likely be more successful if you take legal action as soon as possible. That's because the evidence needed to build a strong legal case can often disappear over time. Witnesses' memories fade. Physical evidence can disappear. The person who caused your injury might even change his or her story. The deadline clock started the second your accident took place. Don't wait until the last second. Take action now. Contact Northern Plains Justice, LLP.
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Why should I hire a lawyer to help me with my accident claim?
Your case will likely be far more complicated than you ever imagined. The business or person responsible for your losses might insist they did nothing wrong. The insurance company that's supposed to pay you might try to deny or reduce your claim. And the financial impact of your accident will likely be much more than you ever imagined. These are just some of the reasons why you should have an attorney on your side, fighting to achieve the results you rightfully deserve. Our lawyers know how to move cases forward and turn legal challenges into opportunities. We don't just consider your short-term needs. We have the vision to think long term. We're here for you when you need us most.
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